Page 9 - Explore Biloxi ~ Visitor's Guide

Construction began for the expansion of numerous piers, wharves, docks, and harbors along the waterfront, all promoting tourism and economic development.
In the late 1870s, the Lewis and Nashville Railroad introduced continuous rail service from Biloxi to both New Orleans and Mobile. This allowed a better mode of transportation for locally harvested seafood and brought even more tourists to the city.
In 1881, Lazaro Lopez, F. William Elmer, W. K. M. Dukate, William Gorenflo, and James Maycock created the first seafood processing factory
in Biloxi. Beautiful white-winged Biloxi schooners proudly harvested the bountiful seafood of the sound. The majestic Biloxi schooner became synonymous with success.
As the seafood industry expanded, several waves of laborers joined local citizens in harvesting seafood and processing all the bountiful catches. Bohemians and Polish workers from Baltimore, Maryland first joined the labor lines with Louisiana Cajuns and Croatians following.
By the early 1900s, Biloxi was known as the “Seafood Capital of the World.”
The industry ebbed and flowed with the economy through the decades. By the 1970s, Vietnamese immigrants began arriving in Biloxi from their war-torn land, working in the seafood factories and building boats.
Today, the shrimping industry remains an economic cornerstone for many families and businesses. A number of shrimp boats are still docked in our harbors.
In 1941, the United States Army created a technical training school named after 2nd Lieutenant Samuel R. Keesler Jr., a Mississippian killed in World War I. It was originally designated as Keesler Army Field. Today, the Keesler Air Force Base has grown into one of the largest training bases in the United States. It is also home to the renowned Hurricane Hunters.
In 1992, dockside gambling became legal in Biloxi, first on small paddlewheel riverboats. The gaming industry in Biloxi has expanded into modern, multi-story buildings where visitors and residents can enjoy top- notch amenities at each of the eight casinos located in Biloxi.
Growth in downtown has also
seen highs and lows. Development in downtown increased during the 20th century. The thriving tourist industry and Keesler Air Force Base drew businesses and residences to the area. Retail stores, bars, and other businesses lined Howard Avenue between Main and Reynoir Streets.
Biloxi seafood factories once lined the waterfront
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EXPLORE BILOXI 9